Transcription of Document FFDoc-0729.pdf

July 4, 1944

Dearest Dot;

When your letter finally came I just sat looking at the envelope trying to make myself believe it was true!! When I finally made myself realize that sometimes great things do happen, I had to fight back the tears that wanted to flow in sheer delight. Then I found a place in my desk in which to hide it. I was afraid that anything so precious might be stolen. Then I waited anxiously for the stroke of five. It seemed like it would never come but when it did, & nobody was looking, I snatched it out of the desk & thrust it gently into my purse.

All the way home I would peek into my bag to make sure the dear thing would still be safe when I finally got home. I didn't bother going to mess - I just sat on my bunk reading it over & over. Yes, Dot it was worth waiting for & I don't even care if they send me to an institution for acting so queer over a simple thing like a letter. It's just that they don't understand about your letters & how important they are to me.

The news wasn't too good this time - was it? But you were so gay & it should have made a big hit but instead I wanted to cry. Maybe you weren't unhappy when you wrote it. Maybe I just made myself think that you were because I was so unhappy when I read it that I wanted to think of you being that way too.

Before I go on I'll tell you that Sherman[?] is in trouble & things look as black as only the Army can make them look & now you are going to want to know what is wrong & I'm not going to tell you. You know I'm a B- that way. I could tell you if I saw you but to spend hours on the story & trying to explain on paper - "no can do", I tried it three times already so I should know when I'm licked.

But you asked me to write to Ed [Foran] & try to cheer him up. In my frame of mind, Dot, I would more likely convince him that the only solution would be at the end of a rope. It must be very hard to keep answering such letters as this. Sorry I can't help you out but I think it's better this way - I don't know anything so don't listen to me - but I would keep writing if I were you. Can't say whey exactly but it looks like he's counting on it.

Deck is just fine & just as adorable as ever. You're wrong about the final curtain coming down. It's a long way off. How do you think I'm ever going to get to know him that well? You don't think I would be satisfied with a love on paper from someone who is only thinking what he would like to be true of me - not knowing the real person at all. I know only too well that I'm not so hot as he thinks I am.

I thought the story about the telephone call very good. Many a time I have been the same kind of ass. - I'll mail it back the next time I write for it will not fit in this envelope.

Dot, I told you that I received the pictures from your mother & I didn't understand her letter & I couldn't understand by her letter if she was giving them to me or if I was to send them back. I wrote & told her to draw me a picture of what the instructions were. I haven't heard from her & I love the pictures but God knows I wouldn't keep them if she didn't have a set. So would you please settle the matter for me. Also in that letter she sent me Joe's address & I can't find it - what is his address, now? I'm sorry about Joe. It's a d- shame. I'm so sick of it, Dot, all day long I'm interviewing such cases as his & far worse. And it's what I wanted once. My kid brother made Sgt. a few weeks ago - Bless him. [?] is up for Staff & I've seen her on the job - I'm not being a cat this time & I could very easily where she is concerned but, Dot, I'm telling you there is no justice.

I was picked to do some recruiting for this camp in the first S.C. but I'll be surprised if I go now. I'm glad it was a false alarm about your heart. You poor kid - what you  mist have went thru.

 You really want overseas? I hope it never comes my way again. I mean it. I had a nice friend by the name of Charlotte Smith who is in Det. W. now. I told her to look you up if she caould - she writes Stella Skrob[?] is their mail clerk small world. Must close now, dear, Shields.

Billie

Aug 6, 1944

Sunday - In the Maine woods.

Dear Dot;

Have to write small to get all I can on this - my last piece of paper. We have hit five cities in Maine thus far & it wasn't only a week ago, in Lewiston, that the entire job of classifications was turned over to me. They had me speaking on the stage of theatres. If they asked me to stand on my head it would have been easier. Cripes we were all ready for a nervous breakdown when our officers planned a two day rest for us. They needed it even worse than we "all" Too D- many southerners in this crowd.

So - for two days we are stationed on an island in a log cabin. Where? - You got me. But it's swell. Quiet, pretty. Wish I could break a leg & stay put a while.

Had not heard from Deck for weeks & then got three letters from him just before leaving Bangor. He's being forced to take his furlough. All the men have been shipped & they want all furloughs out of the way before the new shipment comes in.

Says he's coming to see me. Asked our OIC if I could get a few days off - she said OK. So - that to look forward to. Silly but I'm scared. Will bore you with all the details after I see him.

Say we need a 263 at CMS. Anything develope on that score yet?

How is Joe - any better? He didn't act like his nerves were so shot when we saw him that day. did he?

But can't ever tall by outward appearance, I guess. Am surprised to hear it's so bad. Hope you got down to see him. Tell me about it.

My[?] furlough - I rate after recruiting. Really wonder how long it will last. No doubt longer than we expected. Have changed plans fifty times already.

Hope you get stationed somewhere near. Sure would have a lot to talk over with you. Write when you can.

Love, Sherman.